What Records Must You Keep?

Keep your copies of Schedule H or other employment tax forms you file and related Forms W-2, W-3, and W-4. You must also keep records to support the information you enter on the forms you file. If you must file Form W-2, you will need to keep a record of your employee's name, address, and social security
number.

Employee's social security number.

You must keep a record of your employee's name and social security number exactly as they appear on his or her social security card if you pay the employee either of the following.

Social security and Medicare wages of $1,900 or more.

Wages from which you withhold federal income tax.

You must ask for your employee's social security number no later than the first day on which you pay the wages. You may wish to ask for it when you hire your employee. You should ask your employee to show you his or her social security card. The employee may show the card if it is available. You may, but are not required to, photocopy the card if the employee provides
it.

An employee who does not have a social security number must apply for one on Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. An employee who has lost his or her social security card or whose name is not correctly shown on the card may apply for a replacement
card.

Employees can get Form SS-5 from any Social Security Administration office or by calling 1-800-772-1213.